On Friday, October 28, 2016, retired San Gabriel Fire Department Captain Chris Cuzynski, was traveling to Reno for a retired Police Officer’s funeral. In his travels north along Hwy 395, before the City of Lone Pine, Chris appeared to have a cardiac related issue which caused his passing. This resulted in a solo vehicle accident.
Captain Chris Cuzynski served 38 years with the San Gabriel Fire Department. He also served 2 years as a Federal Fireman assigned to El Toro Marine base and 2 years in the U. S. Forest Service as an Oak Grove Hotshot, for a total of 42 years of service.
Chris is survived by:
Mother —- Betty Linker
Wife —- Susie Cuzynski
Son —- Joe Cuzynski – Los Angeles County Fireman
Daughter —- Carolynn “Cookie” Cuzynski — Orange County Deputy Sheriff

Starting on the far left, in the background is Chuck Grennell, standing next to Chuck is Steve McDougal, the next one (sitting on a rock with his head on his arm) is Cliff Penny, the next one, without the hard hat is Richard Boatwright, behind Boatwright (facing the opposite direction) is Raymond Leo Coker (we think), standing next to Coker is Don Allison, to the right of Allison (cut-off at the stomach) is Bob Conklin and lastly is Douglas Beck. They guy in the foreground, who is to the left of Beck, in this picture, (with his back turned to the camera) is Joe Gutierez. The guy behind Beck’s hardhat could be Bobby Harris.

Take a look at this video from the Rachel Maddow show. It has Oak Grove Hotshots in it.

Rod Duff, a member of the 1952 Oak Grove Hotshots, passed away on March 30 after a short illness. Rod lived a full life that included wildland firefighting for the USFS and CDF, working as a Disney Imagineer, owning an animation company, and serving as an interpretive ranger at Bodie State Park in retirement. He was an 19th century mining and railroading expert, a lifetime Land Rover enthusiast, a model railroader and a member of the Bodie Chapter of E Clampus Vitas. Rod considered his time as a hotshot one of the highlights of his life, and thoroughly enjoyed himself at the Oak Grove Hotshot reunion in 2012.

Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 6, at Joshua Memorial Park, 808 East Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA.

Condolences can be sent to Rod’s wife Cindy Kline at 7229 West Columbia Way, Quartz Hill, CA 93536.

Best thoughts and prayers for family and friends.

Highly recommend you all read this book.

We are saddened to say that Bob Taber, a member of the 1960 crew has passed away. All crew members express our condolences to his wife Sue and his family.

Tex Strange and Nancy Ambler. Jack Tice, married Nancy while he was foreman working for Tex. Nancy was a payroll clerk in the OG office (1954).

Crew of 1957 Front row left to right #3 Harry Antonine #4 Dave Westfall #6 Jack Lane #8 Danny Bangs Second row left to right #2 Otto Hiesig (at time of picture, yard maintenance) #7 Dave Lake (mother tanker driver) #11 Kenneth Ray David Back row left to right #3 John Bowman

Highly recommend this book of early Forest Service history and wildland firefighting

Foreman Jack Tice 1955 made the signs for the new Hotshot trucks

Girl Scouts, Smokey L.A. City Fire Chief and Jack Tice, in front of of the LA City Hall 1957

1975 Fire in the Kern River Wilderness

Dave Maxell Kern River 1975 Hot Shovel

Kern River 1975 Glenn Howard Mr. Sunshine

Oak Grove Hotshot project wall

Thanks to Bob Hewitt for recovering this plaque from the “Project Wall”. Just some of the names of crew members who worked on the rock wall all those years were: Larry Rodriguez, Bob Serrato, John Wambaugh, Steve Pock, Dave Maxell, Gary Kruth and Mike Gutierrez.

During the 1959 Gun fire, Dave Westfall, was severally burned while scouting the fire. Trying to escape the fire front, Dave fell over a rock, landing on his back, and broke his left foot at the ankle joint with only the tendon holding. Norm White, was with Dave Westfall, when Dave broke his ankle, and was severally burned with 3rd. degree burns over most of his body. Eventually, Norm died of complications while in the hospital. This picture was taken at the end of the season party in which the Angeles NF, Forest Supervisor, Richard Droege, is presenting Chuck Woods (Oak Grove Foreman) and Jack Tice with a letter of commendation from Regional Forester Charles Connaughton, and a cash award for the part they played in the rescue of Westfall and White. Oak Grove Hotshot, Dick Williamson, and others were also instrumental in the rescue.

Some members of the 1950 crew included Ray Guardado Sr., pictured below the crew sign with dark glasses. The truck was one two or more that carried the crew.

The following photo’s are submitted from Dick Willamson.
This is in 1959 on the Wiley Fire on Ontario Peak on the Mt. Baldy District. Our crew hiked in the night before and got to the fire about daybreak. It was a lightning strike, not much of a fire but got a lot of attention. They were looking for alternatives to Borate at the time and were experimenting with Bentonite and cargo drops from the Sikorsky S-55. The two guys in ball caps were researchers, probably from the Fire Lab. They had to hike out with us as the marine layer moved up that afternoon, preventing the helicopter from flying anymore. All the pictures are of the same fire that we, Oak Grove Hotshots, responded to the night before. If I remember right it wasn’t a complete crew, only those who were in still in camp when we got the call. In the group shot on the far right is Bob Ensminger, ADR on the Mt. Baldy District. Next to him is Palonio Romero, Helitack. All the rest are Oak Grove Hotshots.

Wiley Fire hike out.

Wiley Fire 1959 cargo drop

Wiley Fire 1959 S-55 cargo drop

Wiley Fire Bentonite Drop

Wiley Fire

Wiley Fire hiking out.

Wiley Fire Dick Williamson

Wiley Fire group shot

Wiley Fire long hike out.

Left – Ken McCool and Chuck Grennell

Louie Mora Hog Fire 1977

Ron Shurney Hog Fire 1977

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Rod Duff said,

I remember George Paden when I was on the Oak Grove crew. Also Tex,Otto Heisig, Dennis Begay and others I cant remember their names. A really great bunch of guys and a lot of good times!
I went on to Angeles Crest as a TTO and then to CDF.

John Waroff should have some pictures from the 71-72 seasons. We were together for dinner a while ago and came up with names of almost all the crew members of the 1971 crew. Lots of fun times and I would not trade them for the world! Got my fire service start at Oak Grove and am close to retirement now. My son is now possibly looking at working for the Forest Service here in San Bernardino County.

Bruce Hamp said,

I came on the crew in 1959. Got broke in good on the Woodwardia Fire. Came back in 60 as a pusher on Crew 141. Went to Chilao as Tanker Foreman in 61. Went to Red Box as Tanker Foreman then Patrolman in West Fork in 62. Back to Oak Grove in 63 as Crew Foreman. Had Ken David and Tom Ralls as Superintendents.
The Army ended my work there in Late 63. Most of my photos are slides. I’ll see what I can do with them.

Bob Service said,

I was Tanker Foreman at Chantry Flats, from 1958-1959 and was on the Gun Fire,
my crew assisted in loading Dave Westfall and Norm White in the ambulance. Jack
Tice went to LACoFD, as a Crew Foreman about a year later and I followed him.
We both worked at Camp 2 ( above Oak Grove), and I ended my career at Camp
9.

I saw the post by Bruce Hamp, I new him well, his father was a Battalion Chief with LACoFD in Equipment Development.

David Tice said,

I worked as pickup labor on fires 1957-1958 In those days one could show up on a fire and FS would pick you up and put you on the fire lines, later I think it was in 59 I worked on a tanker crew in Big Tujunga. I think the unit Ranger at BigT was Joe Landen, my memory is a little fuzzy, I can’t remember my formans name? I noticed that nothing was mentioned about the Navajo Indians that worked at Oak Grove? They were very hard working men, and worked on many fires. My Brother Jack started out as a cook, and later became a forman over the Navajos, I think there were about 30 of them and they lived in the tent houses until the barracks were built

Larry Boggs said,

Lew Hurlbutt said,

Worked for Jack Tice as LA Co. FD “Fire Suppresson Man” 1964/65 until an invite arrived to join Uncles Sam’s hiking & shootin’ club. Capt. Monahan had just retired & Capt. Hossler was in command of Camp 2 at Oak Grove when I hired in & was assigned to crew 2-1.
Other Foremen (or Firemen or Fire Wardens as they actually were):
Fred Harrison
Terrzo (later commanded Camp 2 as a Captain – ’67/’68 I believe)
Fernandes
I also worked as hvy. equip. swamper out of SFV Osborne yard – recall Chief Ballentine, Capt. Kelly, eqip. operators Andrade, Fred Morton, & a couple others I can’t recall names of.
Fond memories of those days. All the hard work & water that you wanted (as long as it was not more than the 2 canteens you carried – fires excepted as you could actually refill them if on a fire run). Appreciate any updates on Jack Tice – last I knew anything of Jack Tice, he was testifing at Vic Morrows (coroner?) hearing – believe he was working as a fire safety officer on a movie shoot when VM died in a tragic helo accident. Best regards to you & to Jack Tice if possible.

Robert Serrato said,

Glenn Wears said,

What a great historical look at the Oak Grove Hot Shots. I had the privilage of working with many of the guys that are listed here. I also went on several fires with Oak Grove during my days on the Arroyo, 1976 to 79. Right now I work for Jack Lane and stay in touch with John Bowser, Bob Serrato and have seen Mark Sayles and Tom Ralls in the not to distant past. Eddie Lundgren hired me and Tom Ralls was my AFMO. Chet Cash was my AFMO & FMO and I work with Ron Shurney and Louie Mora on the Arroyo. What an outstanding group of men.

Bob Withrow said,

Congratulations Oak Grove on your reunion. I was on Dalton in 1966 and 1968. I enjoyed the ongoing rivalry and competition between the two crews. Specifically I remember racing cutting fire line down two adjacent ridges. The other side of the rivary was that Oak Grove and Dalton were the only front country Angeles crews and woe be unto any other crew who said any thing bad about Oak Grove. I was also on Chantry in 1967. Again, I offer all of you Oak Grove alumni my blessing and am proud that Oak Grove still survives in our memories. +Bishop Bob Withrow

Bob Service said,

Chuck Grennell said,

Greg Ruggles and I went by the old Station last weekend. We were both sorry to see the state of disrepair that it had fallen into. Greg and I were both on the 1968 fire season Oak Grove crew, working for Larry Boggs, Larry Lang and Henry Martinez. The other name that I recognize from this group is Joe Gutierez. Gary Raybould (SP?) was the TTO that summer from the Oak Grove station.

I believe that the black and white photo that was captioned “New Bees with Lary Boggs” was taken during the season that I was there. I also recognize several of the pictures that Joe Gutierez sent in, as well.

Wayne Crowder said,

I’ve still got a copy of that magazine! In fact, I had some quotable quotes in the article. It’s funny, the guy quoted as saying how you gotta be tough to fight fire on a Hotshot crew quit the day after we got run over on the Eaton Canyon Fire! Remember that, Boggs?

Steve said,

For those that want to be alerted when a change has been made in our blog by having an email message sent to you, just click on the little black box in the lower right corner with “follow” in it. Then just follow the instructions.

Wayne Crowder said,

Hey Chuck, thanks for the clarification. I couldn’t remember exactly who it was, just that they quit shortly after the Eaton Fire. I also remember Steve’s goggles melted on his hard hat that day. The article says on the Strawberry Fire, but it was on the Eaton Fire. I don’t even remember a Strawberry Fire that season. Anyway, yes I will be at the reunion. Got my plane tickets already bought. See ya there!

Jim Reveley said,

Hey, what fun reading. Thanks to Gary Reynolds and Steve Arney for having the patience to coax me on. I’m a real dunderhead with computers. I’m Jim Reveley, Foreman OG Hotshots 1965. Started as Tanker Crewman in 1959 at Clear Creek with Russ Michaels then Pete Trujillo as Foremen. 1960, Tanker Crewman at Red Box with Bob Henseley as Foreman. 1961 Helitack Crewman at Chilao with Cec Peters as Foreman. 1962 and 1963, TTO at Red Box with Bruce Hamp.
1964 FPT at Sunset Ridge with Reid Marks as ADFCO. 1965 Hotshot Foreman at Oak Grove with Marty Barrows as Superintendent. 1966-1969 Monte Cristo Tanker Foreman. 1969-1974 Fire/Paramedic at Monrovia City FD. 1974-1981 Fireman, Engineer, Captain with Santa Barbara Co. FD. Left to business (revpack.com), not so smart financially! Fond memories generated by many names and dates. Looking forward to meet up with those left alive after almost 50 years-

Oh the stories I have heard about the names I see here. As I grew up, alot of these names were common in our house. My dad Reid Marks was part of Oak Grove when I was young, after leaving the Sierra Madre in 66, he was the FMO of the Mariposa District on the Sierra, then the FMO of the Bass Lake District on the Sierra, then Special Agent for the Sierra, retireing in 1980. As we celebrate his 80th birthday next week his goals are vist Eddie Lundgren in Rogue River Oregon and to attend the Reunion in May. As his driver I look forward to meeting all those famous names of my youth.

Don DeYoung said,

What a great time we all had at the reunion, seeing old friends and hoisting a few. Thanks to all who made it happen! Thanks to Larry Boggs for getting my Fire Service career started.
Take Care All,
Don DeYoung
Angeles N.F. 70 – 76
So. Pasadena F.D. 77 – 80
L.A. County F.D. 80 – 2010

joe gutierez said,

The reunion was great and fun,i saw people i haven’t seen in 42 years, saddly i didn’t get to meet everyone and some have passed on. I hope another reunion will happen again someday. Thank You to all who made it happen.

Jennifer Baker said,

My name is Jennifer Arney-Baker and my Dad is Steve Arney. I have felt that it is so very necessary to write a note to say, how proud I am of him (and my beautiful Mom too) for organizing this very much needed reunion. I was just a little kid when we lived at the Oak Grove Ranger Station, but that station was my “backyard” and I have so many memories of hanging out with my Dad and thinking that it was the coolest thing to get a grape soda from the Coca-Cola machine in the engine bay. To this day the smell of smoke is a good thing to me, because it reminds me of my Dad’s fire bag when he would first open it after being gone (for sometimes weeks) and coming home safe and sound from a fire. So glad you all to come together again. I love you Dad.

I just want to pass on a big Thank You to Steve Arney and Larry Boggs for a quality reunion. It couldn’t have been better. It was great seeing so many of the folks I started my career with, old friends lost as time passed. I grew up in La Crescenta and always considered the Angeles NF as my home, so the reunion was my chance to reconnect to my home.

Don Fritchman said,

Hi, this is Donald Fritchman who was with the Hot Shots in 1967. I was a student in Forestry at Oklahoma State University, and my friend from OSU was Chris Paulson, a fellow forestry student. I was in California for most of the season, but left a little early to visit with my family in New Jersey before fall semester started again at OSU. I’m retired now and living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hi This is Bob Powers I was Asst. Sup. under Chet Cash 72 & 73 allso detailed to Oak Grove in 1970 Sept. and Oct under Boggs what great memories. Retired from F.S. Sawtooth N.F. 1994 still in Twin Falls Idaho. Hope to make the Next reunion

Tim Brehm said,

Hello Oak Grove,
My name is Tim Brehm and I am the photographer who took the pictures that appeared in the Pace Magazine feature on the Hotshots in 1968. That was 45 years ago! I see that some people that I photographed, like Larry Boggs is still around. I am writing to you today because I saw some of those photos on the Rachel Maddow show last
night (7/1/13) as she was doing a lead in to the recent tragedy of the
Granite Mountain Hotshots near Yarnell.
I’m sure you knew some of those guys and my condolences go to all. I am wondering if you could use some more photos for your historical archives. I have recently reacquired some of those photos from Duke University that archives them and can make additional prints. I also have a few copies of that 1968 Pace magazine that I can donate to Oakgrove. Let me know if you are interested. I would also be very interested in seeing some of the old timers that were working there at that time.
Tim Brehm
Former Pace Magazine Photographer

Chuck Grennell said,

I sent the pictures from that old Pace Magazine into the this site. I still have two copies of that one, myself.
When I went to the last reunion, I ran across Gordon Rawley who gave me a handful of other pictures that you took that summer, but were never to in print.
The webmaster from this site should be able to give you a direct e-mail address to contact me. Are you thinking about attending the reunion at Lake Tahoe? I’ll be there.
Chuck Grennell

Bruce Hamp said,

Bill Vaughan said,

Good to find out some of you guys are still around!!! I have had a good life most of the time and a reallllllly good life the last 25 years. I will be seeing you also at the reunion, whenever it is held.
Bill Vaughan

35

Tom Kruschke said,

Tahoe 2014 was fantastic. Thanks to all who were there. I got to see people I thought I would never see again. I laughed so hard I got a sore throat. I never knew I was on so many fires, in so much danger or was so brave.

The location was great, snow unexpected, but a change after 90-100 degrees in So Cal the week before. The informality worked great; we got to go at our own pace, break off into our own groups when we wanted to.

The coin is beautiful and very thoughtful, even for those of us who aren’t “real” Oakgrove Hotshots (Chilao).

Again, thank you to everyone I got to see and a special thanks to Larry and Steve. Let’s do it again.

Tim Brehm said,

Thank you for sending the Rachel Maddow video. I saw this video when
it was aired live and jumped out of my seat when I saw the first two black and white photos on the screen. I had taken those in the summer
of 1968 covering the Oak Grove Hotshots for Pace Magazine. Seeing the credit line Oak Grove Blog led me to Steve Arney and eventual reunion with Larry Boggs and some of the rest of the crew. It was a total thrill for me to meet those hotshots some 46 years after I had taken
those photos. Lake Tahoe was one of the best reunions I have attended.
Thanks to Steve, Larry, and everyone else who was involved and who
attended.
Tim Brehm

I would certainly echo what Tom has said about the 2014 Tahoe Reunion. Put another way, this event was one of my Top 10 Life’s Experience’s (at least so far!)

Larry and Steve: You two are the best. THANKS for working so hard to keep alive what was all a big part of our lives. As I have said on my LinkedIn profile “My Hotshot/Tanker Crew experiences on the Angeles National Forest is why I made the USFS a lifetime career choice!”

While Jackie and I loved the Lake Tahoe location (we made a week trip out of it coming from Marietta, GA), I think that we would have more attendees if the next Reunion was back in the Southern Cal area again. Suggest somewhere like La Jolla, or other nice locations in and around the San Diego coast (there are many.)

Steve Pock said,

Fred Burdeshaw said,

Thanks to Steve Arney and Larry Boggs I have a handle on ’63 Hot Shots Royal Mannion, Mike McGeragle, Bruce Hamp and John Patten. I have reached out to all and hope that we can continue the dialogue!
Regards, Fred Burdeshaw

The Oak Grove Hotshot crew was formed in 1950, making it the first Hotshot crew on the Angeles National Forest, and the second Hotshot crew formed by the Forest Service.
Meaning of "hot shot"
The original meaning of "hot-shot" was when it appeared in the early 17th. Century as "one who shoots recklessly" (essentially a "hothead fellow"),
"Big Shot" meaning a very important person, originally came from large caliber weapons (initially in the form "big gun") in the early 19th. century.
"Hot Shots" were iron shot heated red-hot in a furnace and fired into the side of a wooded ship.
The first time we see Hot Shot used in Wildland Firefighting history, it was used for a two or more person crew that fought fire with hand tools.
Today, the term Hotshot is used to refer to pilots, stock brokers and more, but in wildland firefighting, the term is used to identify an elite group of people.
If you were a member or know a member of the crew, please contact us with name, year on the crew, position, and contact information. Continue to monitor this blog for updates.
Email info. to: oghotshot@comcast.net
If you have any photos of the crew or information that you would like to include into the blog, mail to the above email address and we will include it in the blog photo/ history.